How it works

Most women will have some type of symptom for the duration of their time going through menopause. For many women, menopause comes on in the late 40s’ or early 50s’ but for others, the removal of the ovaries, through trauma, disease or surgery, will through that woman into early menopause, perhaps much earlier than their body intended.

One of the menopause symptoms that is known by most people, women and men alike, is the hot flash, or as many women refer to it; a power surge. The term power surge may be the best definition because as hormone levels drop, the ability of the woman to keep her body temperature regulated is difficult to get a hold on. Some women experience massive sweating, many women only at night, which drenches the sheets, while other women experience them at any time of the day. It is very uncomfortable to be in front of other people delivering a presentation and getting that feeling that a hot flash is rapidly approaching. Many women may make light of the entire feeling, but for many women, the entire process is greatly affecting their lives.

When your skin starts becoming dryer, you should know that you have started experiencing menopause symptoms. This is also due to the decrease in hormone levels. For some women, this is not too big of a deal, as they just put more lotion or other moisture seeking products on their skin on a regular basis. For other women, the dry skin makes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. For some this is not a big problem, but for other women, it is huge.

Many women begin to experience a sluggish digestive system when menopause rolls around. While women welcome the ability not to have to deal with monthly periods and everything that goes with this, not too many women want to see new problems emerge. However, it is not uncommon for some women to begin to have more problems in their colons; from excess gas to increased bloating. Some women report not being able to eat certain food items they once enjoyed.

Perhaps the worst

For many women, one of the worst menopause symptoms is the decrease in their libidos, which let’s face facts, really puts a damper on their sex life. Loss of libido is directly related to the loss of hormone levels. However, there are things that women can do to counteract this problem and the others listed above. They are;

• Consider taking a female replacement hormone therapy. There are many different types and your own doctor can direct each woman further.
• Consider taking up a regular exercise program, such as yoga. Yoga appears to be something that many menopausal women believe helps their body.
• Consider eating healthier and adding different vitamins and supplements to the diet. Here again, check with a doctor to get the best advice.

Symptoms of early onset menopause

While “natural” menopause occurs with Estrogen levels gradually decreasing over a number of years, many times early onset menopause is accompanied by a sudden, drastic reduction in Estrogen. Therefore, many “early onset” women experience the same symptoms as their “natural” counterparts—but the symptoms are often more severe. All symptoms of early onset menopause are caused by the bodily changes that occur as a result of the fluctuation of hormones. Symptoms of early onset menopause include

• Irregular or skipped periods
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Joint/muscle pain
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Emotional “roller coaster:” ups and downs
• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Night sweats
• Water retention
• Forgetfulness

Causes of early onset menopause

Many times, the onset of early menopause is due to genetics. Some women may be born with an irregularity in their X-Chromosome. This irregularity can interfere with egg production and cause menopause. Other women are born with a very low number of eggs, which causes menopause to occur years before it should.

Another cause of early onset menopause is a condition called Premature Ovarian Failure (POV). Women with this condition have ovaries that are not functioning properly. Because of this, the affected women either no longer produce eggs, or they stop producing the hormones needed for ovulation.

In addition to genetics and POV, early onset menopause can be caused by illness or surgery. These conditions can cause an “estrogen crash,” which causes women to enter menopause early.

Diagnosis of early onset menopause

Doctors are learning more and more about the symptoms of early onset menopause, and this results in more women being diagnosed. To properly diagnose early onset menopause, doctors will need to rule out other conditions that can cause the symptoms. Doctors will always perform blood tests to rule out pregnancy or other reproductive issues. Doctors will also want to check for thyroid disease. In addition, many doctors will use blood tests to check hormone levels at various stages of the menstrual cycle. The most important test, however, is to measure the “follicle stimulating hormone,” or FSH. This hormone causes the ovaries to produce estrogen. When ovaries slow the production of estrogen, FSH levels rise.

Treatments for early onset menopause

There is no cure for early onset menopause. However, there are things that can be done to reduce the severity of the symptoms. The most popular treatment for the condition is Hormone Replacement Therapy. Another popular option is the use of “phytoestrogens.” Pytoestrogens are plant compounds that resemble estrogen, but at a lower strength.

Research indicates that the use of phytoestrogens works best in conjunction with an Asian diet—the American equivalent would include consuming tofu, soymilk, soy flour and cooked soybeans.

Dietary supplements may also reduce the severity of symptoms. Supplements containing black cohosh, soy, calcium, folic acid and B-vitamins work naturally with the body to decrease symptoms of early onset menopause.

Many women also turn to herbal medications and aromatherapy. While more research needs to be done concerning the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, they remain a popular option for women dealing with menopausal symptoms.

For many women affected by early onset menopause, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that the reproductive years are over. Women may need the help of a therapists or a support group to deal with early onset menopause and to enjoy the new stage of their lives.

Ovarian failure, wherein your own body’s immune system attacks itself, therefore causing your ovaries to quit functioning, is a single feasible cause for early menopause. Surgical treatment can likewise trigger the problem. For example, menopause can happen instantly because of this of ovarian surgery or perhaps a hysterectomy, each of which trigger hormone levels to drop significantly. Whenever you have a hysterectomy, even when the ovaries aren’t removed, they may be damaged by the process or have their blood provide affected, then fail and trigger premature symptoms of menopause. Getting your tubes tied is an additional factor that may give rise to undergoing early menopause. The excessive weight reduction brought on by anorexia is one much more feasible trigger of early onset menopause. Also, your mother’s age in the onset of menopause may be a direct indicator of what you are able to anticipate. Just before you determine that the symptoms indicate menopause, nevertheless, speak to your wellness care provider to have an accurate diagnosis.

As your body decelerates its creation of estrogen, it’s most likely that early onset menopause will trigger exactly the same symptoms that older ladies experience all through menopause, like menopausal hot flashes, sweating, dried-out skin, decrease in libido, internal dryness, joint discomfort as well as sleep disruptions. Menopausal symptoms are usually much less severe in ladies who go through the change of life at a much more standard age than for ladies who expertise early onset menopause. Assistance groups are accessible to ladies who wish to speak concerning the challenging and emotionally traumatic issues which can often go with the early onset of menopause. It could be difficult for a woman to shed her capability to bear kids, and she needs to be allowed time and space to cope with this change. Assistance from buddies and family members is so extremely essential all through this time.

And don’t forget to permit your self adequate time to know and cope with the emotional problems of early onset menopause. Be open and truthful in expressing your feelings and emotions. The factor to keep in mind is the fact that it’s a natural component of aging; no-one would be to blame. There’s no sense in adding guilt towards the complicated emotions you may be feeling at this time, as it’ll make you really feel worse, not much better, and to no purpose.

Menopause is experienced differently by everyone who goes through it. No two women will experience it in exactly the same way. However, some women have a harder time dealing with the symptoms, which can include irregular periods, hot flashes, heart palpitations, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, tension in the muscles and joints, memory lapses, dizziness, and mental confusion, among others. Many of these symptoms begin during the perimenopause phase, which can occur as early as a woman’s thirties, but often do not take place until after a woman turns forty. Because the symptoms can be unpleasant, most women want to know how long menopause symptoms last.

Perimenopause Phase

Beginning with the perimenopause phase, menopause symptoms can begin. This phase has been known to last for a decade or longer before menopause is actually complete. In fact, ten years is not an unusual time period for this phase of life. The symptoms of this phase, however, do not often become noticeable until a woman reaches her mid to late forties. At this point, it is likely she is troubled by at least a few bothersome symptoms.

End of Menopause Phase

A woman is said to have finished menopause when she has gone a full year without a menstrual period or any menstrual spotting. Therefore, menopausal symptoms can be said to last from the perimenopausal period until menstruation has stopped for a full year. The average age for a woman to have completed menopause is age 51. Symptoms can end at around this time, but for some women they also continue for some time after menopause has officially been reached. The length of a woman’s menopause symptoms will often depend on how long her perimenopause phase is. The average phase will last four years, but as indicated above, this period can be ten years or longer.

To answer the women who want to know how long menopause symptoms last, in general it can be said that these symptoms will last four years. However, a woman’s symptoms may not be troubling to her during that entire time.

Conclusion

What determines how long menopause symptoms last? Many factors can determine this. A woman’s genetic makeup, eating and exercise tendencies, stress levels and general lifestyle and health can affect how long these symptoms last. A woman who has more stress in her life and has a poor diet is more likely to have a longer perimenopausal period, because menopause is likely to begin earlier in these women, and, consequently, the signs of menopause will show up earlier. It is also true that a woman who does not live a healthy lifestyle or who does not exercise may have more trouble with menopause symptoms. In general, women who take care of themselves are more likely to have easier transitions and to be less bothered by menopause symptoms. Though it can be difficult to determine how long menopause symptoms last, women who do not want to experience multiple unpleasant symptoms should make sure they take care of their health as best they can now.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/menopause-symptoms-how-long-menopause-symptoms-last-4087058.html“

When women go through the change of life, it could bring on heart disease as well. The clotting agent fibrinogen (a soluble protein in the blood made by the liver and made insoluble because of damage tissue), increases when a woman is post-menopause; the body experiences less estrogen production and the cholesterol levels changes, thus the change of life. Estrogen is a protective factor against heart disease for women, until menopause, at which time it declines, thereby removing the protection. The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center explains the connection between women and heart disease and menopausal changes.
The amount of risk caused by each change is unknown, but in most cases there is a greater risk with each change. Heart disease is two to three times greater after menopause than before. These same risks are in women who have had a hysterectomy as well. More women over the age of sixty die of heart attacks than men; women’s symptoms are different than men and are often mistaken for something less serious.
Wake Forest University-Baptist Medical Center suggests reduced levels of estrogen caused by stress increase risk of heart attacks and strokes. Stress can cause damage to arteries, thus creating problems. Heart disease includes the narrowing of the arteries that bring oxygen to the heart, inborn defects, diseases of the heart muscles and heart failure. Two hundred and fifty thousand American women die each year from this disease and, as women age the risk increases. It is the leading killer in America.
Doctors in the past, treated women with hormone replacement therapy to prevent heart disease during menopause and post-menopausal. After a study of women and heart disease it was confirmed that this therapy was not the right treatment for heart disease prevention.
A new study revealed that women taking hormone replacement therapy medication containing female hormones, commonly estrogen plus progestin (synthetic progesterone), health risks exceeded the health benefits and the study was stopped early. There were 161,809 women, ages ranging from 50-79. Breast cancer increased 26%, heart attacks increased 29%, strokes increased 41%, and blood clots increased more than 50%.
However, the study did show 34% fewer hip fractures and there were other benefits. The risk factor s outweigh the benefits. For a short-term treatment, some women may consider HRT, but it should be based on individual health history. To read the full report: Medline Plus-Encyclopedia
There are other things that will help women to adjust to menopause and have a healthy heart. They are to stop smoking, maintain the proper weight, exercise regularly, cut down on the fatty foods, keep an eye on your cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. According to The Nurses Health Study, folic acid, B-6 and B-12 played a role in reducing the risk of heart attack or death among women of heart disease when one group consumed more food and supplements than the other group.
If hormone replacement therapy is chosen, remember to eat healthy and exercise which will maintain healthy heart muscles. Be sure to have regular check-ups and call your health care provider if anything unusual occurs.

Carolyn Bell Smith -
About the Author:

Carolyn Bell Smith, committed to help others improve their health, lifestyle, fight sickness, disease, and building a strong immune system. Author and creator, Healthy LifeStyle and More, and Lifestyle Tips Newsletter

Menopause is an important event in the aging process for all women. This physical transition from the reproductive years to non-reproductive years is clinically defined as having had no menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but it can be affected by such factors as smoking, alcohol use, having irregular cycles in the decade prior to menopause (all associated with earlier age at menopause), and mother’s age at menopause.

While some women never experience any discomfort during menopause, the majority of women do. Hot flashes are the most common complaint, occurring in 70 percent to 85 percent of women. Night sweats are also common, and can be especially troubling for some women. Night sweats can occur several times each night and frequently cause interrupted sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood disturbances. Other signs of menopause include heart palpitations, urinary symptoms such as incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness, low libido, headaches, anxiety, and poor memory or “fuzzy” thinking.

While menopause is a natural part of aging, many women who suffer from severe or prolonged symptoms seek help. Today, that help can come from many directions, including conventional, complementary, or alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is practiced by medical doctors (M.D.s) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.s), and affiliated health care professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians.

Complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine, and may include a diverse group of medical and health care systems, practices, and products such as acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle changes, or dietary supplements. Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. Some practitioners of conventional medicine also use complementary or alternative methods.

Conventional Treatment–Hormone Replacement Therapy

The main conventional treatment for menopausal symptoms for several decades has been hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Replacement hormones are available by prescription and include estrogen alone or in combination with another hormone, progestin.

Using hormone therapy is very effective for women who are having severe symptoms or symptoms that have lasted a long time, especially hot flashes and night sweats. In addition, hormone therapy protects against osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that occurs with age. Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women as they age than in men, and can be responsible for bone fractures, especially of the hip and back.

For decades, women with uncomfortable menopause symptoms were routinely prescribed hormone therapy by their physicians. However, in 2002, a large study, the Women’s Health Initiative, was ended early because the researchers discovered increased risk for a number of serious health problems in women who had been taking hormones for several years. The researchers found greater risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots for women in the study who had been taking a combination of estrogen and progestin, and a heightened risk of stroke and blood clots for study subjects who were taking estrogen alone.

As a result, hormone therapy is now cautiously prescribed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each woman’s risk factors for breast cancer and heart disease. In addition, doctors are advised to prescribe the lowest dose possible for the shortest time possible. For many women, the symptoms are not uncomfortable enough, or their risk factors are such that they choose not to take hormones. Consequently, many women and their health care providers are exploring complementary or alternative options that may help alleviate the discomforts associated with menopause.

Phytoestrogens

Soy is perhaps the best-know phytoestrogen, or estrogen that is found naturally in food. Soy, chickpeas and other legumes are a source of isoflavones, one kind of phytoestrogen. Flaxseed, whole grain foods, and some fruits and vegetables are the source of lignans, also a plant form of estrogen.

Isoflavones came to the attention of scientists studying the diets of women in China and Japan. They found that the Asian women they were studying had diets high in soy isoflavones and reported fewer and less severe symptoms associated with menopause. In addition, the Asian women had a lower incidence of osteoporosis and heart disease than Western women.

The research on the effectiveness of phytoestrogens is inconclusive, and it is unclear whether the estrogens found in these foods are strong enough to relieve menopausal symptoms. However, some women find that supplementing their diets with these foods helps to alleviate or reduce their hot flashes. The research is still ongoing as to whether phytoestrogens affect the risk of breast cancer-some studies actually show phytoestrogens to be protective against breast cancer, and no studies suggest that eating soy products are harmful if you have breast cancer. However, women who are at an increased risk for diseases affected by hormones or women who are taking drugs that increase estrogen levels in the body should check with their physician before using phytoestrogens.

Vitamin E

While there is little research yet to prove its effectiveness, some women find relief from hot flashes by taking Vitamin E. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant effect, and is available in several forms, both natural and synthetic. Natural Vitamin E is signified by the letter d, for d-alpha-tocopherol. Synthetic Vitamin E has antioxidant activity, but may actually prevent the natural form from entering the cell membranes. Synthetic Vitamin E is signified by the letters dl, for dl-alpha-tocopherol.  Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that excess is stored in the body. Consequently, taking more than 400 i.u. of Vitamin E a day is not recommended.

Botanicals

Several herbs are being studied for effectiveness in relief of menopausal symptoms.

Black cohosh is perhaps the most commonly used herb for treating women’s symptoms. For generations, Native Americans have called black cohosh “cramp bark” and used it for treating menstrual cramps. Black cohosh is a key herb in the practice of Chinese medicine, and is used extensively in Europe and the United States for relief of hot flashes. Due to its low risk for side effects, the American Menopause Society supports black cohosh for short-term use (less than six months). However, the National Institutes of Health has said that, although early evidence is encouraging, there is not enough data to recommend black cohosh for menopausal symptoms. The NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding a scientific study to determine whether black cohosh can reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Dong quai is also a frequently prescribed herb in Chinese medicine, especially to treat a variety of women’s problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and heavy periods. In addition, dong quai is found in almost every Chinese herbal formula used to provide relief from menopausal symptoms. Other herbs used for menopause include red clover, ginseng, kava, and chaste berry.

Acupuncture

Practiced in China for thousands of years, acupuncture is becoming popular in this country for a variety of conditions, including discomforts associated with menopause. Acupuncture is holistic in nature, and works by treating the source of the problem rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Acupuncture can be effective in treating hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, and other symptoms of menopause. In addition to acupuncture, a licensed acupuncturist may also incorporate dietary recommendations, an herbal formula, and lifestyle changes into an individualized treatment plan.

Lifestyle Changes

Some women find they can alleviate or reduce menopause discomforts through lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Most women find that their hot flashes are worse when they are in stressful situations, and stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, visualization or breathing techniques can be helpful.

Dietary changes that may be effective include avoiding caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and fatty foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, and drinking more water. Regular exercise is also recommended because it can elevate mood, reduce stress, and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and heart disease.

While there are a variety of options for women seeking relief from discomforts associated with menopause, there is no one clear answer as to what works best. Every woman needs to take into account her unique health history and personal preferences when choosing a conventional, complementary or alternative treatment for menopause symptoms.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/complementary-and-alternative-treatments-for-menopause-601328.html”

Fatigue
Depression
Loss or thinning of hair on head, pubic, or whole body
Menopause sleep disorders
Disturbing memory lapses
Concentration, disorientation, and mental confusion problems
Dizziness and light headedness
Incontinence (easy passage of urine on sneezing, and laughing)
Sudden bouts of bloat
Change in body odor
Increase in allergies
Rapid heart beat
Anxiety
Irritability
Sore joints and muscle aches
Severe headaches
Digestive problems, such as indigestion, nausea, flatulence, and gas pain
Gum problems, like intensive bleeding
Increased tension in muscles
Cold or tingling hands and feet
Ringing and buzzing in ears
Yeast infections
Leg cramps
Osteoporosis (after many years)
Sensations of electric shock under the skin and in the head
Softening, cracking, or easy breaking of fingernails
Increase in premenstrual syndrome

By following a diet with low fat content, regular exercising, and relaxing techniques, like yoga and meditation, you can reduce the signs and symptoms of menopause to a great extent. All the best and take care!

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/menopause-symptoms-tip-s-4308056.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #4308056)

Ladies undergoing menopause frequently report having bloatedness and flatulence. Menopause has symptoms that are hard to deal with, getting this symptom will aggravate the feeling of a lady.

Indigestion and bloating throughout menopause, also known as, gastrointestinal bloating is when air fills the abdomen, giving you a full sensation. You will really feel unpleasant because your clothes could really feel tighter.

Your abdomen is filled with intestinal gas Suc extra bacteria can have its origins in sugary foods, which are veggies and fruits in addition to junk food.

Other leads to of indigestion and bloating during menopause is poor digestion.

When you are going via menopause, the lack of estrogen in the body can cause digestion to slow down. Having a deficit of lactose, an enzyme that helps the physique digest, can also contribute to this sign. Cauliflower and broccoli, along with onions, are veggies that can make bloating in the intestines worse.

In addition, bloating and digestive problems associated with menopause can be the result of hormones becoming in flux. Primarily, progesterone has calming effects nevertheless if the levels are too higher then breast tenderness and bloating may be felt. Get a prescription from your physician for estradiol, which is a type of estrogen, to lessen these kinds of symptoms.

Furthermore, the content material of your diet plan figures into this. Digestion is slowed so higher protein in the diet can cause bloating. Relief can be discovered from adding soy to diet plan. Balanced diet plan of fruits, vegetables, meats, bread, fats, etc will assist alleviate bloating.

Herbal treatments lend themselves to a much more organic way of treating menopausal digestive issues and bloating. Herbs balance out hormones, you should know your stage of menopause, for you to know your hormone ranges. It’s essential to ensure that natural dietary supplements you decide to take don’t react badly with any other drugs you’ve been subscribed. Also, it being a natural cure, it takes long to see the distinction.

Menopausal bloating and gas can frequently be mitigated by the drinking of an natural tea that contains several minerals. Bloating is relieved by lessening the waste in the body. 1 drink which is loaded with calcium is herbal tea and consuming it can assist retard bone density reduction. A tea can be created from plants like lemon balm, raspberry, dandelion, or you can use green tea.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/obtaining-relief-from-menopausal-symptoms-of-gas-and-bloating-3618146.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #3618146)

Through this section we will try to cover as many random queries related to menopause as possible. These include home remedies as well as issues like pregnancy and menopause.

I am taking hormone replacement therapy. I still experience lethargy and stress. Why?

That is quite a normal occurrence. This also depends on the type of therapy you are taking. Many women find progestin-only therapy much more suitable as compared to a combined pill. As for the stress, you might benefit from lifestyle changes, coping mechanisms, or other medications. Consult Dr. Morice for further advice.

What can I do, without medications, in order to ease the symptoms of menopause?

Take better care of your body. It may sound a little trite, but this may offer protection from all sorts of illnesses as well as postmenopausal symptoms. Eat well. Make sure your daily intake of calcium and iron is adequate, since menopause effects bones too. A fiber-rich diet that is low in fat is best. Go for supplements. If you think you cannot cover essential nutrients like calcium or vitamins in your normal diet, take supplements. Exercise regularly. Walk daily. Do cardio exercises for your heart. Try investing a few minutes a week in Yoga or Pilate. Remove stress-inducing factors from your life. Work out the stressful aspects of your life and get rid of them for once and all.

Is pregnancy possible once I am into perimenopause?

Yes. Although not common, it is known to occur. Unless declared menopausal, you can never rule out the possibility of a pregnancy. Make sure you take adequate contraceptive measures if you are not interested in getting pregnant.

I have been having recurrent vaginal infections ever since I entered perimenopause. Are the two related?

There is no direct causal relationship. You may have read earlier, that in perimenopause, there is direct effect on urogenital system and vaginal dryness too. This dryness can be a precipitating factor in vaginal infections, however, menopause does not predispose you to infections in any way.

Is menopause known to be related to neurological disorders?

No. There is no known association of menopause or perimenopause with neurological disorders. However, since this is quite a stressful period in a woman’s life, stress, depression, mood swings, and other psychiatric complaints do occur quite frequently. Many also complain of lack of concentration and a preoccupation with these symptoms.

Does one put on weight in menopause?

Quite a few times, yes. But a lot of it is due to depressive binging of food and lethargy. If you eat healthy and work out regularly, there is no reason why you should put on weight in menopause.

How does one get surgically induced menopause?

Removing the ovaries (oophorectomy), which often occurs with hysterectomy, will result in surgically induced menopause almost immediately. Other procedures such as tubal ligation or tubal reversal do not cause menopause.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/more-questions-related-to-menopause-1531287.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #1531287)

You may experience moodiness, depression or feelings of sadness and hopelessness. If this is the case, there’s a strong likelihood that your mate is feeling somewhat confused by your behavior and may be left wondering if you still love him and want to spend the rest of your life with him.

If your husband or partner is anything like mine, it’s not likely that he’ll research information that’s available to him in order to figure out what’s happening within your body and how it may be affecting your emotions. If men don’t have the answers, how will they respond to the “foreign” you?

Unfortunately, men respond to women’s hormonal balances using many different approaches that aren’t always the most effective. Some men simply ignore the problem and hope it will go away, while others may be overbearing and treat their partner as if she’s emotionally fragile and incapable of dealing with life.

The relationship problems couples face during midlife, in most cases, really is usually a lack of communication due to the misunderstanding that results from hormonal imbalances and behavior changes in women approaching menopause.

If you find that you’re facing some challenges in your relationship due to hormone fluctuations, and you don’t honestly see your mate taking the time or initiative to figure out what may be happening, it may be a good idea to tape the following messages to your refrigerator, mirror, tool box or other area where he’s sure to take notice.

1.If your wife or partner is feeling undesirable (and there’s a good chance that this may occur often during this transition), it may be automatic for you to express how beautiful she is. Unfortunately, she is not likely to believe you. Don’t let this become a slammed door, however; continue to be loving, kind and supportive consistently and eventually she will trust that you really do find her desirable.

2.Since your wife is not feeling sexy as a result of the weight she has likely gained during this period in her life, please don’t let your eyes pop out of your head when a young sexy woman appears on TV or passes by you in a restaurant. And worse yet, avoid the temptation to flirt with younger women. This behavior is insensitive and uncalled for, and only adds to an already strained relationship.

3.When you think your wife is behaving irrationally, remember that she’s not crazy and zip it! That’s right – just keep your thoughts to yourself because oftentimes what men view as irrational, women do not.

4.When your wife has something she’d like to tell you, listen! Don’t dismiss her, even if you’ve heard this same story over and over again. It’s important to your wife to have a partner – one with whom she can communicate. If it’s tempting to interrupt her, take a moment to put yourself in her shoes and decide how you would feel if your every thought or emotion were brushed off as if it meant nothing.

5.There’s a strong possibility that your wife’s sex drive is not what it once was. This is confusing and scary for your wife, and may very well add to her moodiness. As a matter of fact, it’s not unusual for women to find fault with their spouses in order to feel justified in not having the desire to have sex. Openly communicate with your wife about this, and make an effort to work together to remedy this problem so that your sex life can become rejuvenated. A healthy sex life contributes to your overall physical health, as well as the health of your relationship.

6.Let your wife know she can count on you. Perhaps she’s feeling overwhelmed with a busy schedule and a tired body. Put down the newspaper or the remote control and pick up a broom. You’ll be amazed by her positive reaction and what results to which your desire to help may lead.

7.Stop at the store on your way home from work and pick up a romantic card or a bouquet of flowers. Don’t wait for your wife to suggest going out to dinner; go ahead and be assertive and simply tell her the two of you are going out on a nice little date.

8.Your wife may be doing a lot of complaining lately; you can encourage her to stop complaining by giving her reasons to know she’s lucky to have you in her life.

9.Make your wife laugh – even if you need to be the butt of your own jokes (better you than her).

10.Finally, express your love for your wife and let her know that you understand this may be a rough ride for her and you want to do whatever you can to pave the road for a smooth transition into menopause.

While it’s important for your spouse to be understanding and sympathetic to your needs during this transitional period, it’s also important that you do all you can to take care of yourself – both physically and emotionally. Be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest and take time for yourself.

If you’re sure to do all you can to remain healthy, there’s no doubt that you will feel beautiful, youthful and full of energy – your absolute best – as you approach menopause.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/men-dealing-with-womens-menopause-symptoms-68405.html”